A healthy diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle at any time, but especially vital if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Eating healthily during pregnancy will help your baby to develop and grow, and will keep you fit and well.

Here are a few pointers to follow:

A) Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables because these provide vitamins and minerals, as well as fibre, which helps digestion and prevents constipation. Aim for at least five portions a day.

B) Carbohydrates, such a bread, potatoes, cereals, pasta and rice are an important source of vitamins and fibre. Try eating wholemeal varieties, instead of white, where possible.

C) Protein rich foods, such as fish, poultry, eggs, beans and pulses, are a good source of nutrients and should be eaten daily. Choose lean meat, remove the skin from, and cook using only a little fat. Try to eat two portions of fish a week, one of which should be oily fish, such as sardines or mackerel.

D) Dairy foods, such as milk, cheese and yoghurt are important because they contain calcium and other nutrients that your baby needs. Choose low-fat varieties wherever possible.  Aim for two to three portions a day.

E) You should eat only a small amount of foods that are high in sugar or fat. These include all spreading fats, oils, salad dressings, cream, chocolate, crisps, biscuits, pastries, ice-cream, cake, puddings and fizzy drinks. Sugar contains calories without providing any other nutrients, and can contribute to weight gain, obesity and tooth decay. Fat is very high in calories. Too much can increase the risk of heart disease and contribute to being overweight. To reduce fat, avoid fried foods, trim the fat off meat, and use spreads sparingly.  

If you get hungry between meals, avoid snacks that are high in fat and/or sugar. Instead of sweets, biscuits, crisps or chocolate, you could try these alternatives:

Low-fat yoghurt or fromage frais.

Ready-to-eat apricots, figs or prunes.

Vegetable and bean soups.

Unsweetened breakfast cereals or porridge, and milk.

Fresh fruit.